AOPA and Safety Foundation meet entrepreneur, pilot, and collector David Oreck

AOPA and Safety Foundation meet entrepreneur, pilot, and collector David Oreck

Phil Boyer (left) and Bruce Landsberg (right) with David Oreck and one of the most beautiful Staggerwings in the world, part of the Oreck collection.

AOPA President Phil Boyer and ASF Executive Director Bruce Landsberg visited David Oreck, entrepreneur, pilot, and aircraft collector October 10 in his New Orleans hometown. Oreck's "eight-pound upright" vacuum cleaner has literally made him a "household name" nationwide.

During AOPA activities at the National Business Aviation Association show and Be A Pilot meetings in New Orleans, Oreck invited the two to his nearby hangar and aircraft collection.

Whether it's riding his Harley Davidson or flying his Beech G17S Staggerwing (featured in the October 1999 AOPA Pilot), the successful Oreck's enthusiasm for life is contagious. Among his collection: A new Waco, a 300-horsepower T-34, one of the last tri-gear Beech 18s, and "his and hers" Super Decathalons.

October 11, 2000